USDA Forest Service Acquires Strategic Property for Conservation, Recreation, and Wildfire Prevention

This news release was originally published by the USDA Forest Service and was republished here with permission.

LAKE GEORGE, Colo. - Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and The Conservation Fund announced the purchase of private land for conservation and land management. In partnership with The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit conservation organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service acquired nearly 130 acres west of Divide, Colo. The Wagon Tongue Company property lies just south of Lake George and between Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir.

The Conservation Fund stepped in earlier this year to buy the property from the Wagon Tongue Company and worked with the Forest Service and Congress to secure funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund was then able to convey the property into public ownership and management by the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. The Conservation Fund specializes in land protection and has provided conservation solutions for public and private partners in all 50 states.

"Conservation can be scenic and strategic, like the Wagon Tongue Company property," said Kelly Ingebritson, Colorado Project Manager for The Conservation Fund. "This location has amazing views of Pikes Peak, pine forests, and a mountain meadow for wildlife. It's also an important location for the Forest Service to prevent wildfires and support the local community. Conserving the lands we all need and love is The Conservation Fund's specialty - and we are thrilled this land is now permanently protected."

"We have wonderful memories enjoying this incredible land," said Alene Patterson, former landowner, along with her siblings Alfred Plamann and Ruthann Tacher. "My father purchased this property in the 1950s because of its beauty and recreational values. My siblings and I enjoyed exploring the aspen trees and creek, looked for wild turkeys and other animals, and bonded as a family. My kids did the same. Our goal is for the public to experience this special place now, too."

The property provides habitat connectivity for elk, wild turkeys, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat and mule deer. It acts as a migratory and breeding range for numerous birds. This acquisition will open up the South Park Ranger District's hunting access and bolster the Forest Service's ability to protect adjacent communities from catastrophic wildfire.

"This property is a great acquisition for the South Park Ranger District," said Josh Voorhis, District Ranger, South Park Ranger District. "The management of this area is in direct alignment with wildfire crisis strategies and our agency's wildfire management goals for the adjacent communities that often face annual wildfire threats."

The purchase was made possible through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program that provides funding to conserve irreplaceable lands and improve outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the nation.

Many shared their appreciation for this successful outcome. Their quotes are below.

"In Colorado, public lands define our identity and drive our economy," said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet "I am thankful for the leadership of Pike-San Isabel National Forests and The Conservation Fund for their work to ensure future generations of Coloradoans can enjoy wildlife and recreational opportunities in southern Park County. With this acquisition, we are expanding our National Forests, protecting more of Colorado's natural habitat, and leaving our public lands in better shape for our kids and grandkids."

"LWCF is making sure Coloradans can continue to adventure for generations to come," said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper. "These 130 acres of prime Colorado beauty aren't just great for hiking; they protect critical habitat for elk and help the state manage wildfires."

"Incredible outdoor spaces, like those found in Park County, are a defining characteristic of our state," said U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen. "I'm grateful The Conservation Fund will transfer these 130 acres for conservation. It will not only protect the inherent scenic value of the area, but it will also help mitigate the threat of dangerous wildfires for the neighboring communities through the implementation of forest management on the site. I'm thankful that The Conservation Fund, the Wagon Tongue Company, and the USDA Forest Service were able to come to this agreement, which is sure to be beneficial to the local community."